Encaustic

Encaustic art is art which is made by melting wax and adding pigment, using it as a pigment medium. The result is a rich, vibrant, textural work of art which can be endlessly manipulated with an assortment of tools. the art form is actually thousands of years old, this technique was notably used in Fayun Mummy Portrait from Egypt around 100-300 AD. Several museums and art galleries have examples of encaustic art from places like Ancient Egypt and medieval Europe, for people who would like to see historical examples of the art form.

The waxes used in encaustic art vary. Beeswax is the classic medium, although other types of wax can be used as well. Most encaustic artists use blocks of wax which have already been dyed

The melted wax is daubed onto a sturdy backing and then spread as desired. It can be manipulated just like ordinary paint with the assistance of brushes and other tools, or it can be allowed to cool so that the wax can be carved. In either case, the texture of the finished work can be altered with the assistance of heat lamps and similar tools which will soften the wax, allowing artists to work and rework it until they are satisfied with the end product.